Places to visit in Rochester, MN.
Rochester, Minnesota, is a haven for outdoor activities, with endless trails and lakes to explore. If you love fishing and hiking, you won’t be disappointed—and if you love basketball, there’s also a decent university team to root for.
Throw in some excellent cuisine and enough art venues to keep anyone busy, and it’s easy to see why Rochester might be the perfect place to travel.
Quarry Hill Nature Center
Located in the Rochester, Minnesota, region, the Quarry Hill Nature Center is a great place to learn about the natural world. There are numerous animals on display here, and educational programs to keep kids entertained for hours. In addition, this small park has 8 miles of trails for walking, hiking, or biking.
The Nature Center is free to visit and is staffed by friendly naturalists. Its main attractions include a large aquarium with a 1,700-gallon tank of fish, a pond for fishing, a limestone fossil quarry, and a reclaimed prairie. There are also live birds, reptiles, and mammals for visitors.
The Nature Center has one of Minnesota’s most extensive collections of taxidermied animals. There are over fifty species on display here, including an indoor honeybee hive, several types of snakes, and even a T-Rex skull.
Rochester Art Center
Located in Rochester, Minnesota, the Rochester Art Center has a variety of exhibits, workshops, and activities for families. This museum has a wide selection of contemporary and multicultural art. The displays frequently change so visitors can get a new look at the art every few months.
The Rochester Art Center is an important cultural institution encouraging creativity and understanding of art. Its highly trained staff can help visitors immerse themselves in the exhibits. It also hosts many community programs and partnerships.
The Gagnon museum is located two blocks north of downtown Rochester. It features works from famous Minnesota sculptor Charles E. Gagnon, including a realistic bronze sculpture. It also features Gagnon’s library.
Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
Located in Rochester, Minnesota, the Soldiers Field is a quaint little park dedicated to honoring America’s bravest and defending their freedoms. Some attractions include a military artillery display and a smattering of trees. It is also home to the Towers at the Kahler Grand hotel. You can get a good deal at this upscale property.
The most important aspect of the park is the dedication to military service men and women. The Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the heroes of Southeast Minnesota in an exquisite way. It is also home to a baseball field and two play areas. The park itself offers something for everyone. In addition to the obvious, there is plenty of room for picnicking and relaxing.
The park is located at the intersection of two major roads in Rochester, making it convenient to reach by car or on foot. The park also features a plethora of public restrooms, making it a perfect place to spend an afternoon.
The most exciting part of the park is the Soldiers Field Memorial, a large granite memorial that pays tribute to the men and women who have served in Southeast Minnesota. The monument features some statues, including one of the state’s tallest, if not the tallest. The engraved memorial is a fitting tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The park also includes a baseball field, public bathrooms, and picnic spots.
Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
Originally built as a power plant, Assisi Heights was converted to a place of worship and education. A chapel, infirmary, and standard rooms were housed here, as was a school for novices. Today, the convent is a retirement home for the Assisi Sisters. Its history has lasted over 135 years.
Assisi Heights is now a community, a place of worship and education for the Sisters of Saint Francis. The Assisi community is quiet and contemplative, with spiritual discussions, classes, and a gift shop. It is open to the public seven days a week, from 12:15 to 1:15 pm, and events are listed on the Assisi Heights event calendar. The building looks like a castle.
The Sisters of Saint Francis are a Roman Catholic religious congregation founded in 1877. In the past, the Congregation was restricted to nursing and teaching. Eventually, they were invited to Rochester by Mother Alfred Moes, who wanted to help the city. In the late 1800s, she persuaded Dr. William Mayo to become the primary physician for St. Marys Hospital.
Chester Woods Park
Stocked initially with crappies, channel catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass, Chester Lake is 118 acres. It’s located inside the park. The lake offers a beach, playground, and boat ramps. There are also two picnic areas and canoe and kayak rentals.
Chester Woods Park is also home to a prairie restoration project. Last November, volunteers planted 50 native prairie species. This will hopefully help to slow the invasion of non-native plants.
The park is open from 5 am to 10 pm. In addition, several trail access points are available for a longer hike. The park also offers Action Trackchairs for free use.
The park is home to a large campground with 85 campsites. This facility draws tourists from outside of Minnesota and the US. It is also the location of a water flow management dam that improves weather management.
Best Things to Do in Rochester, Minnesota
Places to visit in Rochester, MN:
- Quarry Hill Nature Center
- Rochester Art Center
- Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial
- Assisi Heights Spirituality Center
- Chester Woods Park
